A bear was hit and killed by a dump truck on U.S. Highway 40 about one mile west of Colorado Highway 131 around 4 p.m. Thursday, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife Public Information Officer Travis Duncan.

The 3-to-5-year-old male bear was initially hit by the dump truck just after 4 p.m., but may have been hit by other vehicles, said Duncan. No other injuries were reported.

Following the accident, a CPW officer arrived on the scene to collect the carcass. According to Duncan, the carcass will be used by CPW for wildlife officer training.

Duncan added that bears getting hit on Colorado roadways is not an uncommon occurrence, particularly at times of day when they are most active.

“During dusk and dawn, it’s good to be cautious,” said Duncan. “If you’re out just before the sun is coming up or when the sun is going down, that’s when wildlife tends to get more active. It’s definitely good to remember you live in Colorado — a good wildlife habitat — and there can be animals moving across the road at any time.”

The driver of the dump truck was not ticketed following the accident because wildlife-vehicle collisions are not illegal.

As the year continues, CPW urges drivers to continue exercising caution and keeping a lookout for wildlife on the sides of roadways. 

Duncan noted that the fall tends to see high wildlife activity, especially after the time change.

“More folks are out on the road at a time when it’s still dark and there’s more wildlife around,” Duncan said about the fall time change. “As you’re starting your morning commute, more animals may be out on the roads, so just use caution.”